"Garfield" pooch

ODIE

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"This lovable, drooling canine is often the target of Garfield’s pranks.\"*\n\nThis hint provides context about the character’s traits and relationship to Garfield without directly stating the name. It’s easier than the original clue but still requires the solver to make the connection."]

The clue ""Garfield" pooch" leads to the answer "ODIE" through a direct cultural reference. "Garfield" is a popular comic strip created by Jim Davis, featuring a lazy, orange cat named Garfield. In the comic, Garfield's owner, Jon Arbuckle, also has a dog named Odie. Odie is known for his excessive drooling and dumb but lovable nature. Therefore, the clue is asking for the name of the dog that appears in the "Garfield" comic strip, which is "ODIE."